Seattle Council candidate punts on half-time ceremony

City Council candidate Bruce Harrell has cancelled his appearance at Husky Stadium tomorrow after his opponent raised questions about the propriety of the event.

Harrell, a standout Husky linebacker almost 30 years ago, was to be honored as a Husky Legend during the Washington-Ohio State football game.

“I decided just to pull out,” said Harrell, who said the event will be rescheduled for after the election. “This award was never about my race (for council.) It was about Husky football. “

Someone complained to the state Executive Ethics Board that the event was tantamount to a campaign appearance, and therefore a misuse of public resources — i.e. the stadium.

Susan Harris, director of the Board, wouldn’t say who raised the allegation, which was short of a formal complaint, she said. It had her “asking questions” about the appearance. “There are some areas of concerns as to whether or not the University of Washington would be using state resources to support a political campaign,” Harris said before Harrell cancelled. “I’m not saying that that’s happened, I’m just saying that that’s what I’ve heard and … that’s what I’m checking into.”

“We believe this appearance may violate state election and ethics rules. As a Seattle City Council candidate, Harrell should respect the ethics laws of our state and postpone his
appearance until after the election.”